by Robyn Grady
Bet he was a loner snake, waiting for some unsuspecting victim to mesmerize.
When he strode in five minutes later, looking drop-dead amazing in chinos and casual button-down, Roxy skulled her ice-water to keep her over-heated imagination from going up in flames. So much for the power of pathetic underwear.
His dark hair was post-shower damp and his shoulders tonight appeared even broader. He’d forgone a shave and the bristled shadow smudging his strong square jaw only served to make his presence all the more entrancing. Knowing he was near, she felt tingles race over her skin, brushing her most sensitive spots and making them glow.
Could a man grow sexier in a matter of hours?
He caught sight of her and crossed over with a fluid strong gait that had every woman in the room blindly setting down chopsticks and turning her head. At the table, he beckoned a passing waiter at the same time he dragged in his chair.
‘I’ll need something a little stronger,’ he said as she refilled her water glass. ‘Care to share a bottle of red?’
‘No alcohol for me.’
‘Need to keep your wits about you?’
She blinked at the tease glittering in his lidded blue eyes. But after her ‘luscious lips’ comment earlier, she’d allow him one ace. Frankly, she didn’t need her inhibitions weakened tonight. Not that she would admit that now.
‘I have to be in the shop early,’ she said. ‘Busy week coming up.’
‘Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.’
Before he could explain, that waiter arrived and Nate ordered a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
‘To have any hope of enticing Greg and Marla back together,’ he said as the waiter moved off, ‘you need to speak with your friend about getting away from Sydney for a few days. Somewhere isolated where she can’t jump on the next plane out and escape before really hearing him through.’
‘Sorry.’ Shutting one eye, Roxy turned her head slightly. ‘Think I’m having auditory hallucinations.’
He spoke up. ‘We’ll need to send Greg there too, of course.’
‘Without either of them knowing?’ Roxy fought the urge to laugh. This was his plan? ‘Are you crazy? A, they’ll hate you for ever for tricking them. B, short of leading them by the nose, they’ll never go.’
‘Precisely. I’ll take Greg. You take Marla.’
‘You want me to take Marla out to some isolated destination so she can meet with Greg and verbally tear his head off again?’
‘I want to see them together so they can work through this. We’ll keep them on track.’
‘We. As in you and me? You expect me to leave Sydney, my shop, to go trekking off to God only knows where with you?’ Astonished, she sat back. ‘I have a business to run.’
‘Put someone else on at the shop.’
Roxy wanted to get up and leave, then and there. He really was an arrogant son of a …
Dragging down a calming breath, she put her thoughts back on track.
After Violet’s deposit this afternoon, the books were almost square. When the minor alterations were done and the dress delivered, the balance would put her business back in the black. That didn’t mean she could afford to slack off. The economy was dead. People cut corners, even on must-haves like a perfect wedding dress. She had to keep her eye on the bottom line.
‘If you need some funds,’ he said, as if reading her thoughts, ‘to see your way through, I can help.’
‘You really are mad if you think I’d accept anything from you.’
‘You’re being obstinate.’
She exploded. ‘You don’t get it. I’m not going anywhere with you.’ She crossed her arms. ‘And I’m not lying to Marla.’
‘Even if it means helping to secure her future happiness?’
‘That’s your story. I’d like to think Greg is innocent but …’
That was being naïve, gullible, as her mother had been for too long. Some guys liked it on the side, no matter how devoted they might outwardly appear, her own two-timing father, case in point.
Nate was folding a shirt cuff back up over his wrist … a bronzed, corded forearm. It looked so strong, so lawlessly masculine, she found herself remembering how completely lost she’d felt when they’d kissed this afternoon and, irrespective of knowing that she would never approve of this man, would never agree to anything he might scheme and plan, Roxy found herself asking.
‘You want me to abandon my shop and fly off to where exactly?’
‘I’m thinking the Outback.’
Her arms unravelled and she sat straighter. ‘Really?’
‘That appeals?’
‘I’d like to experience the red dust and sweeping plains at least once in my life.’
‘What about snakes and scorpions?’
‘I thought you wanted to talk me into this.’
‘Right.’ He put on a serious way-too-cute face that sent her pulse rate spiking. ‘The carols of kookaburras will wake you each morning, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of rust-coloured hills and fiery sunsets every night, not to mention the magical allure of those endless starry nights. How am I doing?’
She inwardly sighed. Fabulous. But it was far from that simple. Remembering her disgust when she’d happened upon the picture of Nate canoodling that woman just days after he’d left her stranded on her doorstep, she pinned her shoulders back and made clear again.
‘I only want to do whatever’s right for Marla.’
The waiter arrived and poured a wine sample. Nate tasted, voiced his approval and, thoughtful, set his glass down for the waiter to fill.
‘Can I ask you something?’
‘Thought you already had.’
He ignored her tone and asked, ‘Why were you wearing Marla’s dress today?’
‘I’m a tactile person.’ She shrugged. ‘I thought wearing the gown, feeling the fabric against my own skin, might help give me an idea or two.’
‘More information needed.’
She pressed her lips together, but talking about a bad situation couldn’t make it worse, even if she was talking to a man she didn’t trust.
‘That dress is entered in a contest,’ she admitted. ‘First prize includes a showing in Paris, among other fabulous things.’
‘And yet you look unhappy.’
‘One of the conditions of the contest is that the gown must take its stroll down the aisle by the end of this month. With Marla and Greg’s wedding off, so is any chance of that dress taking out the number one spot. Or even a coveted place.’
‘What did Marla want you to do with the dress?’
‘She doesn’t care. As long as she doesn’t have to see it again.’
‘So someone else could wear it. You could put out an ad or something so long as the nuptials are sealed before the thirty-first.’
‘I thought about that, but this dress is special. I couldn’t give it away to someone who might not appreciate it.’
‘Even for a shot at that contest prize?’
Even if she explained, he wouldn’t understand. People didn’t value what they got free. What they didn’t have to fight for or respect. That gown deserved to be adored.
Besides, ‘What if Greg and Marla do get back together?’ She collected her water glass. ‘Not that I’m saying it’ll happen. But in one breath I’m supposed to be working to reunite them and in the next I’m giving her gown away.’
‘If those two reunite, all our problems will be solved, including your gown’s. Greg was caught in an unflattering moment. It can happen to anyone.’
‘It’s never happened to me.’
He looked as if he might say, Me either, but then thought better of it.
‘I’m convinced he’s meant for Marla and vice versa.’ Nate’s glittering gaze took on a distant look. ‘A man falls in love only once in his life.’
‘Wow. Such conviction. Anyone would think you’re an expert.’
‘You don’t want to know how big of an expert I am.’
Elbows on t
he table, she set her chin prettily in the net of her thatched fingers. ‘But I really, really do.’
That shadowed jaw shifted and he took another sip of wine. He set down the glass, his chest expanded on a breath and he finally said, ‘Truth is, I’m the product of a happy family.’
That was it? She sat straighter. ‘More information needed.’
‘My father fell in love with my mother at first sight,’ he went on. ‘They married a matter of weeks later. I’ve always known they were happy together. Were meant to be. The looks they share. Marla and Greg look at each other the same way. It’s not something you can fake.’
Roxy’s throat swelled. She felt sad and envious as well as pleased for Nate all at the same time. What must it be like to have grown up in such a stable, predictable world and obviously, from Nate’s face, not appreciate it nearly enough?
‘Must be great to have parents who really get it.’ She swallowed as that familiar dark feeling gripped her stomach. ‘Think I mentioned my dad’s been married three times.’
Nate gestured for the waiter to bring another glass for Marla. ‘And your mother?’
‘She has a circle of good friends.’
‘But none of the male variety?’
‘She doesn’t believe in love any more.’
‘And her daughter creates wedding gowns?’
‘My mother supports what I do.’ Roxy relented and sipped her wine, which coursed a warm pleasant path down her throat. ‘She often says how proud she is of me.’
‘What about you?’
‘Of course I’m proud of my career.’
His tone dropped. ‘I meant do you believe in marriage?’
The question took Roxy aback. She thought he’d already pegged her as a huge fan—a woman who stuck her claws in at the first opportunity and didn’t like to let go. And she wouldn’t lie now.
‘Pardon the pun but I do. I also believe that making it legal shouldn’t be rushed.’ His eyes took on a new light as those broad shoulders seemed to lock. ‘Sounds like your parents lucked out,’ she went on, ‘but mine married after a whirlwind romance too and they bombed out badly.’
‘So it’ll be a long engagement for you?’
‘I have a career to nurture. Places I want to visit. People I’d like to meet. I’m a long way off from wanting to get serious with someone.’ Particularly the wrong someone.
‘That’s exactly how I feel.’
Her grin was wry. ‘I kinda guessed.’
As his gaze roamed her face, the awareness glistening in those crystal-cut eyes sent her heartbeat tripping all over itself and her mind wandering to places it shouldn’t. She already knew she loved the feel of his mouth on hers, the heat of his amazing body pressed close. She also knew developing feelings for Nate Sparks was completely, totally out of the question. Her mother might have been weak and fallen for a rogue who thought only of himself, but, dammit, she never would.
‘I have an idea,’ he said, collecting his glass as if ready to make a toast. ‘If you agree to be part of this plan and Greg and Marla don’t make up …’
His head went back as if he were having second thoughts but now, despite it all, she was curious.
‘And if they don’t make up …?’
‘If they don’t make up, I’ll walk you down the aisle in that dress myself.’
Her vision tunnelled, the world tipped upside down and Roxy forgot to breathe. When she did fill her lungs, it was with a gulp. Then she coughed and had to cover her mouth with the napkin.
‘You must have a temperature,’ she said over the square of linen. ‘You’re delirious.’
‘You have everything to gain, nothing to lose.’
‘Except Marla’s friendship when she bans me from her life for deceiving her.’
‘I’m betting she’ll name their first girl child after you. If not—’ his smile softened ‘—she’ll understand. That’s what friends do.’
Slowly, Roxy set her napkin down. ‘You’d really commit to walking me down the aisle in that dress?’
‘It’s for a good cause. Besides there’s such a thing as annulment.’ His laugh was a little too quick. ‘We’re not talking for real here, Roxy, just a means to an end. We both agreed. Neither of us is after that kind of commitment.’
She blinked and felt her cheeks go horribly warm. Well, of course that was what he’d meant. This proposition was simply another of his angles to get to where he wanted to go.
‘Was that a yes?’ he asked.
She held her brow. She hadn’t said that. She couldn’t agree. ‘That’s too wild of an idea.’
‘Way I see it, for you it’s a safe bet.’
Roxy looked down at her placemat and that big striped cat flashed a challenging grin. Was she like that tiger? Powerful, passionate? Reckless? Nate had already said it wouldn’t be a real wedding … if Marla and Greg didn’t make up and it even came to that. One part of her was shouting, Do it! He’s right. What have you got to lose? Another part was shuddering, warning her, Don’t be an idiot. This can only blow up in your face.
Roxy gnawed her lower lip, shifted in her seat. ‘I don’t know.’
‘No decision should be made on an empty stomach. Let’s order and discuss it later. After all—’ looking more commanding and handsome than ever, Nate swept up his menu ‘—we have all night.’
Below that ceiling of lanterns an hour later, Nate slid the leather bill folder the waiter had dropped off over to his side of the table. ‘I’ll get this.’
The wallet hadn’t left his back pocket before Roxy swept the folder over to her side.
‘We’re going Dutch,’ she said, curling hair behind an ear as she concentrated to study the bill.
‘I never let a woman pay.’
When he swept the folder back, she sent a dry look that only made her green eyes sparkle beneath the lighting’s soft glow all the more. ‘Nate, don’t argue.’
‘Going Dutch wasn’t the way I was brought up.’
‘As old-fashioned as it might sound, if you’d invited me to dinner for other reasons, I’d let you get the tab. But this is not a date.’
Her tone said, As long as I have breath in my body, nor will there ever be a date.
She reached again. He caught her hand. The contact of his skin touching hers sent a surge of blood rushing through his veins. Low down, he came alive and the part of him that was plugged into ‘me caveman’ throbbed and demanded an audience. The rush of testosterone was natural, uncomplicated. Its intent was also out of the question.
Throughout the evening, and what had turned into a small banquet, they’d discussed the Outback and had also digressed into travels abroad, ending on federal politics, usually a subject he avoided. People had their own opinion and sometimes a comment could turn into an overly heated, less than pleasant discussion. But he and Roxy shared similar views there too. At one point, he was so engrossed in their discussion regarding new tax implications on fledgling businesses, he forgot the reason they’d met tonight—to sort out their friends’ situation. He was sure Roxy had forgotten she was supposed to disapprove of him, which boded well for getting her on board with his plan.
But, Lord above, he should never have touched her. The feel of her hand only made him want to touch more. From the alarm in her wide eyes, Roxy felt the same heat and uncertainty too. Then she did something he couldn’t. Her shoulders easing back, she siphoned down a breath and dragged her hand out from beneath his.
‘Guess we got sidetracked,’ she murmured.
Try as he might, he couldn’t take his gaze from her lips. ‘Guess we did.’
‘Thing is, to get back to it, if I agreed to this Outback plan of yours, Marla would either love me for ever or never talk to me again. When I can’t be sure of Greg’s intentions that night, I simply can’t take that risk.’
Although he capitulated on the bill—they paid half each—he wasn’t prepared to accept her decision to bow out of the plan. He meant to convince her and convince her tonight. H
e simply needed a little more time.
A few minutes later, strolling through Chinatown amid a high-energy Friday night crowd, Nate was focusing on his next move when she stopped at the kerb. Hitching her handbag higher on her shoulder, she raised a hand to flag down an approaching cab. He moved to lower her hand but, remembering that earlier sizzle, thought better of it.
Instead he stated, ‘I’ll drop you home.’
That cab whizzed by, but she waved at another. ‘I can find my own way home.’
‘I insist.’
‘So do I.’
‘I surrendered on the bill,’ he pointed out. ‘It’s your turn to bend.’
‘It’s not my turn to do anything.’
When a second cab ignored her hail and, stubborn, she only looked for another, he checked out the growing city crowd, then his wristwatch. ‘You do realize we could be here all night.’
Roxy opened her mouth to disagree. But then the logic must have interceded because the fire in her eyes faded and eventually she sent a contrite smile in spite of herself. ‘Friday night’s not the easiest time to get a taxi.’
‘No, it’s not.’
‘Don’t suppose you’ll take five bucks for gas.’
She was joking. He should laugh. And, truth was, he found her need to be self-sufficient extremely attractive. But the past shaped us all and he wondered if maybe the biggest reason Roxy was Miss Independence now was because she hadn’t been able to rely on the person who should have had her back when she was young. Her philandering father. The reason he was so driven stemmed back to his father too, but for vastly different reasons.
With traffic whirring by and people rolling past, he stepped forward and smiled down into her beautiful expectant face. Thankfully, she didn’t baulk and move away.
‘I won’t take your money,’ he said, ‘but you can do something in return.’
A frown pinched her brow. ‘Like go to the Outback?’
‘I was going to say tell me more about the time you were invited to base-jump in Switzerland.’
Despite the fact she didn’t like him—or at least pretended most of the time that was the case—her expression changed now, opened up, and the sparkle he’d seen earlier in her eyes returned.